Round Peak Update – July 17
The Round Peak Fire, located east of Springville, Utah on the Pleasant Grove Ranger District of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest began at approximately 9:30 PM on July 15, 2019. The fire was started by a campfire and is still under investigation.
Fire Activity: The predicted wind event from a cold front moving through the area late afternoon/evening did not occur and crews were able to hold the firelines. Last night, an infrared flight flew over the fire to detect areas of heat and map the fire perimeter. The fire is currently 167 acres and 5% contained. There was very little fire activity overnight, making favorable conditions for firefighters today.
Yesterday afternoon a large boulder the size of a compact car broke loose from the mountain. It rolled down the slope, between two houses and landed on the front porch of a home. Fortunately, no one was injured and there was no major damage to the porch. The cause of the boulder coming loose is still being determined. No firefighters were working in the area. However, this is one of the many hazards firefighters face working on such steep terrain.
Today, crews will focus their efforts on securing the outer perimeter of the fireline. Air resources will be available to assist firefighters on the ground, to put out hotspots with water bucket drops. The fire is located in very steep rough terrain. Firefighters hike a mile uphill daily, with a 2,000-foot elevation gain, making access difficult. Firefighter and public safety remain our top priority.
Closures: Closures include the Bonneville Shoreline Trail in the Springville area, and the Squaw Peak/Camel Pass Road between the Rock Canyon Campground and Hobble Creek Road.
Resources: Handcrews: 5, Engines: 1, Helicopters: 3 Total personnel: 130
Updates: Updated fire and closure information will be posted to Utah Fire Info’s Facebook and Twitter as well as the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache’s Facebook page.